Threaded needle assembly and methods of making and using the same

ABSTRACT

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a pre-threaded needle assembly that can be used in the hair weaving process. Particularly, the needle assembly comprises a base around which a portion of thread is wound. The base is operably connected to a needle that is used in the weaving process. The assembly therefore includes a base pre-wound with thread such that the assembly can be immediately used (as compared to prior art needles that must be hand wound before use). The disclosed assembly therefore is pre-wound to save time and effort. The needle can further be pre-attached to the base to save even more time.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a pre-threaded hair weaving needle for use in a wide variety of applications, such as hair weaving. The presently disclosed subject matter is further directed to methods of making and using the disclosed needle.

BACKGROUND

Hair weaving is a technique where additional hair is added to an individual's natural hair, adding length and/or volume. Hair weaving has also proven helpful for individuals that are facing the problem of hair thinning or balding. The hair weaving process is accomplished through the use of a needle and thread, similar to sewing cloth. Hair weaving typically begins with braiding the hair into tracks that later serve as the base for hair extensions. The hair extension weft is then sewn into the hair tracks using a C-shaped needle that has hair attached. To attach hair to the needle, a portion of thread is cut, the needle is threaded, and the ends of the thread are tied off, The threaded needle can then be inserted or applied to the beginning of a track to attach the hair extension.

However, threading the weaving needle is time consuming and may be difficult for some users. In addition, the weaving needle must be repeatedly threaded during the weaving process as the needle runs out of thread. It would therefore be beneficial to provide an improved pre-threaded needle for use in the hair weaving process.

SUMMARY

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a pre-threaded needle assembly. The assembly comprises a needle defined by a pointed first end and a second end comprising a connector that allows for attachment of an end of thread. The assembly further includes a base defined by a central hub with first and second ends, wherein the first end of the hub comprises a first flange and the second end of the hub comprises a second flange. The assembly comprises a length of thread comprising a first end that is attached to the needle connector, wherein a remaining portion of the thread is wound about the hub of the base.

In some embodiments, the pre-threaded needle assembly needle is selected from a C-shaped needle, a straight needle, or a bent end needle.

In some embodiments, the pre-threaded needle assembly first and second flanges comprise a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the hub.

In some embodiments, the pre-threaded needle assembly connector is selected from an eye or a loop.

In some embodiments, the pre-threaded needle assembly first flange comprises a first diameter and the second flange comprises a second diameter that differs from the first diameter by about 1-50 percent.

In some embodiments, the pre-threaded needle assembly hub tapers from the first end to the second end.

In some embodiments, the hub comprises a central portion between the first and second ends, and wherein the central portion tapers inward or outward relative to the first and second ends.

In some embodiments, the first flange has a diameter, thickness, or both that differs from the diameter, thickness, or both of the second flange.

In some embodiments, the base is cylindrical in shape.

In some embodiments, the base is planar in shape.

In some embodiments, the thread comprises natural fibers, synthetic fibers, metal, or combinations thereof.

In some embodiments, the presently disclosed subject matter is directed to a method of constructing the disclosed pre-threaded needle assembly. The method comprises connecting a first end of a portion of thread to the attachment of the needle, and winding the remainder of the thread around the hub of the base. The needle can be unwound from the hub of the base on demand.

In some embodiments, the first end of the portion of thread is connected to the attachment through knotting, adhesive, heat sealing, or the user of mechanical closures.

In some embodiments, the connector is selected from an eye or a loop.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of pre-threaded needle assembly in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2a is a perspective view of a base in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2b is a side plan view of a base in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2c is a perspective view of a base flange in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 2d is a perspective view of a base hub in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 3a-3c are side plan views of an assembly base in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an assembly base in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 5 is a top plan view of an assembly base in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIGS. 6a-6d are top plan view of needles that can be used in accordance with some embodiments of the presently disclosed subject matter.

FIG. 7 is a side plan view of one method of unwinding thread from the disclosed assembly.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The presently disclosed subject matter is introduced with sufficient details to provide an understanding of one or more particular embodiments of broader inventive subject matters. The descriptions expound upon and exemplify features of those embodiments without limiting the inventive subject matters to the explicitly described embodiments and features. Considerations in view of these descriptions will likely give rise to additional and similar embodiments and features without departing from the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Unless defined otherwise, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood to one of ordinary skill in the art to which the presently disclosed subject matter pertains. Although any methods, devices, and materials similar or equivalent to those described herein can be used in the practice or testing of the presently disclosed subject matter, representative methods, devices, and materials are now described.

Following long-standing patent law convention, the terms “a”, “an”, and “the” refer to “one or more” when used in the subject specification, including the claims. Thus, for example, reference to “a device” can include a plurality of such devices, and so forth. It will be further understood that the terms “comprises,” “comprising,” “includes,” and/or “including” when used herein specify the presence of stated features, integers, steps, operations, elements, and/or components, but do not preclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, integers, steps, operations, elements, components, and/or groups thereof.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities of components, conditions, and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understood as being modified in all instances by the term “about”. Accordingly, unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth in the instant specification and attached claims are approximations that can vary depending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by the presently disclosed subject matter.

As used herein, the term “about”, when referring to a value or to an amount of mass, weight, time, volume, concentration, and/or percentage can encompass variations of, in some embodiments +/−20%, in some embodiments +/−10%, in some embodiments +/−5%, in some embodiments +/−1%, in some embodiments +/−0.5%, and in some embodiments +/−0.1%, from the specified amount, as such variations are appropriate in the disclosed packages and methods.

As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

Relative terms such as “below” or “above” or “upper” or “lower” or “horizontal” or “vertical” may be used herein to describe a relationship of one element, layer, or region to another element, layer, or region as illustrated in the drawing figures. It will be understood that these terms and those discussed above are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in addition to the orientation depicted in the drawing figures.

The embodiments set forth below represent the necessary information to enable those skilled in the art to practice the embodiments and illustrate the best mode of practicing the embodiments. Upon reading the following description in light of the accompanying drawing figures, those skilled in the art will understand the concepts of the disclosure and will recognize applications of these concepts not particularly addressed herein. It should be understood that these concepts and applications fall within the scope of the disclosure and the accompanying claims.

The presently disclosed subject matter is generally directed to a pre-threaded needle assembly that can be used in the hair weaving process. FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of needle assembly 5 comprising base 10 around which a portion of thread 15 is wound. The base is operably connected to needle 20 that is used in the weaving process. As shown, the assembly therefore includes base 10 pre-wound with thread such that the assembly can be immediately used (as compared to prior art needles that must be hand wound before use). The disclosed assembly therefore is pre-wound to save time and effort. The needle can further be pre-attached to the base to save even more time.

FIG. 2a illustrates one embodiment of base 10. The term “base” as used herein broadly refers to any element about which a predetermined portion of thread can be wound. Base 10 can include central hub 25 to support the wound thread. The base further includes first and second flanges 30, 31 positioned at either end of the central hub to retain the hair on the hub. In some embodiments, the flanges can be approximately perpendicular to the hub, although they can be configured at any desired angle. Further, in some embodiments, the flanges can be about parallel to each other. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and any desired configuration can be used. As shown in FIG. 2a , the hub is centrally located and spans the interior surface of opposing flanges 30, 31.

In some embodiments, hub 25 and/or flanges 30, 31 can be cylindrical in shape. However, the hub and flanges can have any desired cross-sectional shape, such as (but not limited to) circular, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, hexagonal, pentagonal, octagonal, abstract, and the like.

Base 10 can have any desired length 26 and width 27, as shown in FIG. 2b . The term “length” refers the longest straight-line that spans the distance from the first flange to the second flange. In some embodiments, the length can be about 0.5-12 inches.

Thus, the base can have a length of at least about (or no more than about) 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3, 3.5, 4, 4.5, 5, 5.5, 6, 6.5, 7, 7.5, 8, 8.5, 9, 9.5, 10, 10.5, 11, 11.5, or 12 inches.

The base width is the longest straight-line segment that passes through the center of the top face of a flange. The base can have any desired width, such as (but not limited to) about 0.5-5 inches. Thus, base can have width 27 of at least about (or no more than about) 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, or 5 inches.

FIG. 2c illustrates one embodiment of flange 30 comprising diameter 41 and thickness 42. The flange can have a diameter of at least about (or no more than about) 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, or 5 inches. In some embodiments, the flange can have a thickness of at least about (or no more than about) 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, or 1 inch.

One embodiment of hub 25 is illustrated in FIG. 2d . As shown, the hub includes diameter 43 and length 44. In some embodiments, the hub diameter can range from at least about (or no more than about) 0.1, 0.2, 0.3, 0.4, 0.5, 0.6, 0.7, 0.8, 0.9, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, or 4.5 inches. In some embodiments, hub diameter 43 can be configured to be at least about 1-99 percent smaller than the diameter of flange 30. Thus, the hub diameter can be at least about (or no more than about) 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, 50, 55, 60, 65, 70, 75, 80, 85, 90, 95, or 99 percent smaller than the diameter of hub 25. For example, if the diameter of flange 30 was constructed to be 100 inches, the diameter of the hub can range from 1 inch to 99 inches. Because the diameter of the hub is less than the diameter of the flanges, hair is retained on the hub and is prevented from falling off the base. It should be appreciated that the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the diameter of the hub and/or flange can be smaller or larger than the rages given above.

In some embodiments, hub can be hollow. However, the presently disclosed subject matter also include embodiments wherein hub is solid, to add weight and/or heft to the base.

The hub can have a consistent diameter about the full length of the hub, as shown in the embodiment of FIG. 2d . Alternatively, the hub can taper at one end, as shown in FIG. 3a . The term “taper” as used herein refers to a gradual increase or decrease in diameter. Thus, the diameter of hub 25 can be greater at one end compared to the opposing end, as illustrated by first diameter 12 and second diameter 13 in FIG. 3a . Such tapering can allow for the seamless removal of thread by the user. The diameter at a first end of the hub can be about 1-50 percent larger or smaller than the hub diameter at the opposing end. Thus, the diameter can be at least/no more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 percent larger or smaller.

Alternatively, the hub can taper in the middle or along the length of the hub body, allowing for more secure winding of the thread, as shown in FIGS. 3b and 3c . Particularly, the with a tapered middle portion, the thread is less likely to inadvertently become unwound.

The hub and flanges can have any desired size and/or diameter and in some embodiments, the diameter can depend on the amount of hair to be added.

In some embodiments, flanges 30, 31 are configured to be about the same size and/or shape. However, the presently disclosed subject matter also includes embodiments wherein one flange is larger, smaller, thinner, or thicker than the opposing flange. For example, in the embodiment of FIG. 4, flange 31 has a smaller thickness and diameter compared to flange 30, which can allow for easier and more seamless winding and/or unwinding of thread during use. A first flange can be about 1-50 percent smaller in thickness and/or diameter compared to a second flange (e.g., at least/no more than about 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 45, or 50 percent).

It should be appreciated that base 10 is not limited and can include any element that allows a portion of thread to be wrapped around a central hub. FIG. 5 illustrates one alternate embodiment of base 10 configured as a planar member with a pair of rounded flanges 30, 31 and hub 25. The base can optionally include one or more openings 11 to secure the thread when attached.

Base 10 can be constructed from any rigid material. The term “rigid material” refers to any material that provides structure. Thus, base 10 can be constructed from plastic, metal, wood, ceramic materials, or combinations thereof.

Any type of thread 15 can be used with the disclosed assembly. For example, the thread can include natural fibers (cotton, cotton blends, silk, wool, polyester) and/or synthetic fibers (nylon, rayon). In some embodiments, metallic thread can be used. The term “thread” therefore broadly incudes any flexible small diameter yarn or strand that can be used to stitch two or more items together.

Thread 15 can include any desired color, such as brown, black, blonde, red, grey, or combinations thereof. Thus, in some embodiments, the thread can be colored to closely match the color of the hair in the weft and/or the hair of the person that is receiving the hair. However, the thread color is not limited and be constructed in any desired color, such as (but not limited to) blue, red, pink, green, yellow, white, purple, or combinations thereof.

Any desired length of thread 15 can be used (i.e., wound around hub 25). The length of the thread will depend on the amount of sewing the user requires for a particular weaving job. As set forth above, assembly 5 comprises needle 20. The term “needle” as used here broadly refers to any of the wide variety of solid or tubular structures with at least one sharp, pointed end. FIG. 6a illustrates one embodiment of a curved C-shaped needle comprising attachment 50 (e.g., an eye or a loop) located at a first end of the needle and pointed end 55 at the opposing end. Needle body 60 is located between the attachment and pointed end 55.

The needle body can have any desired cross-sectional shape, such as (but not limited to) round, oval, square, rectangular, triangular, and the like.

Needle attachment 50 can generally include any element that allows for attachment of thread to the needle. For example, in some embodiments, the attachment can be configured as an eye or loop. However, any element that allows thread to be attached to the needle can be used.

It should be appreciated that the shape of needle 20 is not limited, and any known shape can be used. For example, needle 20 can be a straight needle as shown in FIG. 6b and/or a curved tip needle as shown in FIG. 6c . The shape of needle 20 therefore depends on the preference of the user and the application of the weaving. For example, a front section of hair may require a different needle compared to a rear section of hair.

Needle 20 can have any desired length, such as about 0.5-10 inches. Thus, the needle can have a length of at least/no more than about 0.5, 0.75, 1, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75, 2, 2.25, 2.5, 2.75, 3, 3.25, 3.5, 3.75, 4, 4.25, 4.5, 4.75, 5, 5.25, 5.5, 5.75, 6, 6.25, 6.5, 6.75, 7, 7.25, 7.5, 7.75, 8, 8.25, 8.5, 8.75, 9, 9.25, 9.5, 9.75, or 10 inches. However, the presently disclosed subject matter is not limited and the needles can have any desired length.

The needle can further have any thickness or diameter, such as (but not limited to) about 5-30 cm. Thus, the needle thickness or diameter can be at least about (or no more than about) 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, or 30 cm. However, needles with a thickness or diameter outside the range above are also included within the scope of the presently disclosed subject matter.

Needle 20 can be constructed from any desired material, such as (but not limited to) metal, plastic, wood, or combinations thereof. Any known needle of any known size can be used. For example, black and/or brown threading pre-fed sewing needles, curved sewing needles, curved upholstery needles, etc. can be used, such as the type shown in FIG. 6 d.

Any known method can be used to create assembly 5. For example, in some embodiments one end of thread 15 is connected to attachment 50 of the needle using any known mechanism. For example, the thread can be knotted, glued, fused, and the like to the needle attachment end. In some embodiments, mechanical elements (e.g., clips) can be used.

The remaining portion of thread 15 is releasably attached to base 10 using any known mechanism. For example, the thread can be wound around hub 25 by hand or mechanically (e.g., such as through use of a winder). Flanges 30, 31 are sized and shaped to ensure that thread 15 remains wound around hub 25. Particularly, the flanges prevent the thread from sliding off the hub. Thus, when the thread is assembled on hub 25, the diameter of the hub and thread is configured to be less than the diameter of the flanges. The pre-threaded needle assembly therefore comprises a portion of thread wound around base 10 with one end attached to needle 20. The assembly therefore allows a predetermined amount of thread to be packaged with a particular needle without getting the threads tangled. This is accomplished by winding the thread around a portion of base 10. The base therefore serves as support for the wound thread. The thread takes on the shape of hub 25. Because the thread remains wound about the hub, no retainer cover or sleeve is required to prevent tangling of the thread.

In use, a user selects a desired assembly as required by a particular user. For example, the user may wish to match thread 15 to the hair color of the recipient. In addition, the user can select a desired needle. To use pre-threaded needle assembly 5, a user grasps needle 20 in one hand and gently pulls on the base to unwind a desired amount of thread, as shown in FIG. 7. The thread is then used as the user sews a portion of hair into a track on a recipient's head. When the user needs more thread, he or she simply again pulls on the base to unwind an additional amount of thread.

Advantageously, with the disclosed pre-threaded needle assembly, a user can simply open a package and begin immediately sewing. Assembly 5 can be used with any weaving application, such as the addition of hair tracks to a braid to make the hair look fuller. In some embodiments, multiple tracks can be sewn to a braid. Extensions can also be sewn into a person's hair.

When the weaving is completed, the user can simply discard the needle and remainder of the hair assembly (hub and thread). When a new weaving job is begun, the user can obtain a new pre-threaded assembly and repeat the process.

The pre-threaded assembly speeds up the hair weaving process. Specifically, the user does not have to stop midway through sewing to add more thread to a needle. The efficiency of the hair weaver is therefore increased.

Also, the winding of the thread about the base prevents and/or decreases the likelihood of knots or tangles forming in the thread. As a result, the user's efficiency is increased and the time it takes to weave is reduced.

In addition, the disclosed assembly ensures that needles are not reused with multiple people, thereby ensuring that sanitary conditions are maintained. In this way, the chance of spreading ringworm, lice, or even hepatis is greatly decreased.

As described above, although preferred embodiments of the present invention have been described for illustrative purposes, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various modifications, additions and substitutions are possible, without departing from the scope and spirit of the invention as disclosed in the accompanying claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A pre-threaded needle assembly comprising: a needle defined by a pointed first end and a second end comprising a connector that allows for attachment of an end of thread; a base defined by a central hub with first and second ends, wherein the first end of the hub comprises a first flange and the second end of the hub comprises a second flange; a length of thread comprising a first end that is attached to the needle connector, wherein a remaining portion of the thread is wound about the hub of the base.
 2. The pre-threaded needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the needle is selected from a C-shaped needle, a straight needle, or a bent end needle.
 3. The pre-threaded needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first and second flanges comprise a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the hub.
 4. The pre-threaded needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the connector is selected from an eye or a loop.
 5. The pre-threaded needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first flange comprises a first diameter and the second flange comprises a second diameter that differs from the first diameter by about 1-50 percent.
 6. The pre-threaded needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the hub tapers from the first end to the second end.
 7. The pre-threaded needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the hub comprises a central portion between the first and second ends, and wherein the central portion tapers inward or outward relative to the first and second ends.
 8. The pre-threaded needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the first flange has a diameter, thickness, or both that differs from the diameter, thickness, or both of the second flange.
 9. The pre-threaded needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is cylindrical in shape.
 10. The pre-threaded needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the base is planar in shape.
 11. The pre-threaded needle assembly of claim 1, wherein the thread comprises natural fibers, synthetic fibers, metal, or combinations thereof.
 12. A method of constructing the pre-threaded needle assembly of claim 1, the method comprising: connecting a first end of a portion of thread to the attachment of the needle; winding the remainder of the thread around the hub of the base; wherein the needle can be unwound from the hub of the base on demand.
 13. The method of claim 12, wherein the first end of the portion of thread is connected to the attachment through knotting, adhesive, heat sealing, or the user of mechanical closures.
 14. The method of claim 12, wherein the needle is selected from a C-shaped needle, a straight needle, or a bent end needle.
 15. The method of claim 12, wherein the connector is selected from an eye or a loop.
 16. The method of claim 12, wherein the thread comprises natural fibers, synthetic fibers, metal, or combinations thereof.
 17. The method of claim 12, wherein the base is cylindrical in shape.
 18. The method of claim 12, wherein the base is planar in shape.
 19. The method of claim 12, wherein the first flange has a diameter, thickness, or both that differs from the diameter, thickness, or both of the second flange.
 20. The method of claim 12, wherein the first and second flanges comprise a diameter that is greater than the diameter of the hub. 